Apple Growers of the Kashmir Valley Aggrieved Over Low Market Rate of Apples

Jammu and Kashmir is the largest apple producing State in India at 11.2 metric tonnes, which accounts for 71% of national production. But Valley fruit growers are facing huge losses with its low rate in Indian markets and with hike in inputs used and carriage taking further toll on their profits.

Our CC Rayees belongs to Pulwama of Kashmir valley, South Kashmir that is known for its production of hundreds of metric tonnes everywhere which is supplied to different states of India and exported as well. In the last some years, there has not been fair increase in the costs of apple across markets which keeps producers to stick to lower incomes.

“There is continuous hike in inputs, be it chemicals used, labour and other things but market rate is still same”, says Mohammad Amin, a friut grower.